This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
Kenya has been polio-free for six years, but 11 counties are at high risk of outbreaks, according to the Ministry of Health.
These counties include Mombasa, Nairobi, Lamu, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, Kilifi, Turkana, Isiolo, and Mandera.
On July 14, 2013, the last imported wild polio virus case was reported in Kenya.
Speaking at the launch of a five-day national polio vaccination drive, acting Director-General for Health Wekesa Masasabi emphasized the importance of immunization for children under five years old.
“Polio is a serious disease. It can cause paralysis, disability, and kill. During polio outbreaks in Garissa in 2013, 14 people were paralysed while two died,” Dr Masasabi said.
Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that mainly affects young children, and it can be prevented by immunization.
